Day: December 23, 2023

ME is a medical condition that affects the nervous system, causing extreme fatigue, which can last for months or even years. It also causes a range of other symptoms, such as trouble thinking clearly, sleep problems and headaches. Doctors do not understand what causes ME/CFS, but they can suggest treatments that may help.

The best known symptom is post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is a worsening of symptoms following any type of exertion, such as physical activity, cognitive overexertion or emotional stress. PEM can occur up to 24 hours after the triggering event, and it can cause people with ME to lose function.

People with ME are often misdiagnosed and have a hard time getting the help they need. A diagnosis of ME/CFS must be based on in-depth evaluation by a physician, including ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. There is no laboratory test for ME, so doctors need to rely on clinical assessment and evidence of a person’s symptoms over a long period of time.

Research is ongoing into the causes of ME, and there is growing evidence that certain infections may trigger it. These include glandular fever and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Vaccines, herpes simplex and varicella (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles), hepatitis A, B or C infection, gastroenteritis and Ross River virus in Australia are also sometimes linked to ME.

ME is a relapsing-remitting illness, and it can be hard to know how severe your symptoms are from day to day or week to week. Some people with ME have mild symptoms and can work full-time with accommodations, while others are bedbound.

In the past, some healthcare providers recommended cognitive behavior therapy and graded exercise therapy for ME/CFS. However, it is now well understood that these recommendations were based on flawed studies and have caused more harm than good for many patients. People with ME are not lazy or out of shape and should not be made to feel afraid of exercise.

There are organizations that can provide support for you and your family if you think you might have ME/CFS or another illness.

The Massachusetts ME & FM Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that meets the needs of people with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and friends. Their website has information about these conditions and links to resources, including a list of support groups in the area.

The Solve ME/CFS Initiative aims to grow and mobilize a global community of patients to be strong, effective advocates for health equality for ME. They strive to accelerate safe and effective treatment options, raise public awareness, and engage the ME/CFS community in research. The website includes a fact sheet and video with more information. You can also join their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter. They have a petition to sign to call on Congress and the Trump Administration to fully fund ME/CFS research, including a request for an interagency working group.

When you love someone, it feels like a part of your heart goes pitter-patter every time you think of them. Whether it’s your parents, best friend, or your partner, love is something we all experience throughout our lives. Scientists and psychologists have studied the concept of love, but there are still many unknowns about it.

Can love really be described in one word? It can be, but it’s also a complex mix of emotions, behaviors, and beliefs. It can apply to human relationships, non-human animals, and even principles or religious beliefs. When you hear someone say, “I love freedom,” they’re likely referring to their belief that everyone should be free to choose their own beliefs.

While philosophers, poets, and writers have debated the definition of love for centuries, it’s only recently that psychologists have started studying it as a specific phenomenon. The research shows that it’s not as easy to define as you might think.

There are three main kinds of love, according to researchers. Manic love is the intense, passionate feelings you have for someone, while pragma love involves making sensible relationship choices and finding a partner who will be a good companion and friend. Finally, agape is a self-sacrificing love that comes from a desire to help others and yourself.

People who love pragma love tend to look at a person’s overall personality and behavior, including how they treat their family and friends, before deciding whether or not to pursue a relationship with that person. Those who love agape love usually want to make sure that their relationship will benefit the other person and the larger community, and they may feel anxious about committing to a long-term commitment. Those who love mania love are often driven by a need to satisfy their own emotional needs, while those who love a combination of the three styles call their mix a hybrid of pragma and agape.

A study of more than 1,400 people showed that when you fall in love, a certain chemical is released in your brain. The hormone oxytocin, which is known as the love molecule, helps you bond with others and gives you a sense of well-being. It’s the same feeling you might get from a hug or when you see your favorite food.

It’s important to recognize that not all forms of love are healthy. Often, the desire to be loved and accepted can lead to unhealthy relationship patterns, such as controlling behaviors. It’s also common for some people to confuse love with other emotions, which can lead to a variety of problems.

The most important thing is to find a balance in your life. Take time to be a good friend and to nurture your own interests and passions. This will help you develop your ability to love in healthy ways. Ultimately, what’s most important is to enjoy your time with the people you love. That’s the key to a happy, fulfilling life. And don’t forget to love yourself, too!